That’s entertainment: Twenty years ago

Posted
Wednesday, July 24, 2013 2:37 pm

Don Fowler

“Sleepless in Seattle” was the big hit of the summer. “Dennis the Menace” was a great children’s movie, with Walter Matthau playing Mr. Wilson. John Grisham’s “The Firm” was directed by Sidney Pollack and starred a young Tom Cruise and an older Gene Hackman and was almost as good as the book.

Charlie Hall opened for Chicago as the Warwick Musical Theatre opened its 39th season. Charlie and Chicago are still going strong.

On the docket for July were Peabo Bryson, comedian Steven Wright, Engelbert Humperdinck and the musical, “A Chorus Line.” Also appearing were Chuck Mangione, Paula Poundstone, Rickey Van Shelton and Roger Whittaker.

Pat Hegnauer directed “Equus” at the RI Shakespeare Theatre.

Ocean State Light Opera Company presented Gilbert and Sullivan’s “Pirates of Penzance” at Wheeler School.

David Kim brought us the 5th Annual Summer Chamber Music Festival at URI.

The American Pit Masters Bar-B-Q Roundup took place in Kennedy Plaza.

Salty Brine played the Wizard in “The Wizard of Oz” at Theatre-by-the-Sea.

Alfredo’s on Oakland Beach Ave. in Warwick had 25 dinner entrees ranging from $5.95 to $9.95. Healey’s Seafood on West Shore Rd. had fresh steamers for $2.49 lb.

The Rocky Point Chowder House on Post Road had pop corn shrimp for $2.95.

Papa-Razzi opened in Garden City. Bugaboo Creek opened in Seekonk. It is now the home of Not Your Average Joe’s, a great New England chain.

The Conimicut Village Festival had entertainment from the Fourth Street String Band.

Big Apple Circus was back in Charlestown’s Ninigret Park for its 15th season.

The Park Cinema in Cranston had Disney’s “Snow White,” plus three second-run movies in their divided up movie venues.

The Glenn Miller Orchestra was at Rhodes-on-the-Pawtuxet. It is interesting to note that the orchestra played the Park Theatre recently, along with 76-year-old Engelbert…and both sold out.